Kagawa Railway Travel: Exploring Retro Local Line - A Railway Journey of Sanuki Udon in Takamatsu

Hello, everyone! On this occasion, I embarked on a 2-day, 1-night railway journey through Takamatsu in Kagawa, with the main focus on exploring the world of udon noodles. This journey involved traveling on charming retro local train lines while immersing oneself in the renowned Sanuki udon, a specialty of Kagawa. Let me share with you the highlights of this journey!

What's Sanuki Udon like?

Sanuki udon is a type of noodle produced in Kagawa Prefecture, celebrated for its firm and smooth texture. Crafted by blending Kagawa's soft water and wheat flour, it pairs exquisitely with a variety of dipping sauces and toppings. A classic choice is tempura udon, where tempura is placed atop udon noodles in a soy-based broth.

Why use the ”Kotoden” (Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad)?

Representing Kagawa, the local railway line known as "Kotoden" offers convenient access from central Takamatsu to renowned Sanuki udon shops and popular attractions. Recognizable by its retro train cars, this mode of transportation is beloved by both tourists and locals. When exploring Kagawa, it is advisable to consider utilizing Kotoden. The mascot of Kotoden is an endearing dolphin family, and you can find cute merchandise on their website: https://kotodenshop.official.ec/

Without further ado, let's commence the journey!

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Itinerary Day 1 (Saturday Departure):

Early in the morning, departure took place from Tokyo, en route to Kagawa Prefecture via a Shinkansen train. A transfer at Okayama Station to the JR Seto-Ohashi Line provided stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea before reaching Takamatsu. This marked the beginning of the adventure to explore Sanuki udon.

Before noon, a visit was made to the first Sanuki udon destination, "Oudon Setobare." Situated approximately a 6-minute walk from Kotoden's "Yakuri" station, the served udon displayed a smooth and slightly fluffy exterior, contrasting with its chewy interior. The enjoyment of local specialties was thorough.

The second udon meal of the afternoon was experienced at "Zaigoudon Honke Waraya." Positioned around a 6-minute walk from Kotoden Shido Line's "Kotoden Yashima" station, this renovated traditional house provided a distinct udon encounter. The noodles boasted a robust texture with a silky smooth mouthfeel, while the delicate dashi flavor graced every bite, leaving a notable impression due to its unique texture.

During the evening, a visit was paid to the "Takamatsu Symbol Tower." From the rooftop terrace, the beautiful sea view was savored, offering a relaxing interlude.

Afterwards, our journey led us to the exploration of local treasures at 'Marunaka,' a distinguished regional supermarket chain. This experience offered a profound opportunity to truly savor the enchantment of Kagawa.

Amidst all the remarkable finds, one gem that consistently captures my attention is the locally sourced milk. A staple across the various regions of Japan, each with its own unique characteristics. On this occasion, we acquired milk from the Shikoku region. Notably lighter on the palate yet remarkably invigorating, it stands as an unexpectedly fitting choice for a refreshing summer beverage.

Day 2 (Sunday):

In the morning, we took the Kotohira Line to visit "Kotohira-gu Shrine," which is about a 10-minute walk from the Kotoden-Kotohira Station. Situated atop a hill, this historically significant shrine has an approach that extends downhill, along with historical buildings and a variety of shops, creating a charming historic town at the foot of the mountain.

In close proximity, breakfast at "Konpira Honten" on the sando (the path leading to a shrine) featured Sanuki udon. The serene ambiance, complemented by warm wooden aesthetics, provided an ideal backdrop for udon made from premium wheat, Kotohira's water, and Setouchi salt. Additionally recognized as a location from the anime "Chibi Maruko-chan: Maruko Goes to Sanuki," I managed to capture some delightful photos, underscoring the shop's unique appeal.

Located on the sando, the shaved ice establishment "Omoide Kori" stood out due to its distinct flavors derived from Kagawa's specialties. "Shodoshima Soy-Sauce and Milk" combined soy sauce and milk for a uniquely rich and sweet taste. Similarly, "Mitoyo Watermelon” features locally grown sweet watermelon, enhanced with a sprinkle of salt, making it a perfect choice for a hot day.

As a concluding experience of the udon journey, participation in an udon-making session at "Nakano Udon School" ensued. Guided by an instructor, I engaged in kneading and boiling my own udon, leading to a sense of amusement and accomplishment.

In the evening, we had the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking fireworks display at Kagawa's summer festival, the "Sanuki Takamatsu Festival," which brought a splendid conclusion to this wonderful journey.

Across these two days of railway travel, an immersion in Kagawa's allure occurred. The delectable nature of Sanuki udon was savored, the appeal of local train lines was embraced, and engagement in the region's culture and festivals was immersive. This translated into a fulfilling and heartwarming experience. I encourage each of you to witness, taste, and sense the magnificence of Kagawa firsthand. When planning your journey, kindly verify operating hours and access details to ensure a delightful trip.